Coming Up From The Streets - The Story of The Big Issue by Tessa Swithinbank

Coming Up From The Streets tells the story of the first ten years of The Big Issue. Founder and editor-in-chief John Bird describes The Big Issue as 'a contradiction and a conundrum' - a formula that may not always run smoothly but one that has had a profound impact on society.

This book unveils how The Big Issue went from idea to one of the most recognised and proactive social movements in the world. It's impact is two-fold; on the one hand The Big Issue affords homeless and vulnerably housed people the opportunity to work themselves out of poverty and on the other produces thought-provoking, trustworthy journalism.

'The Big Issue was perhaps the most significant social movement of its time in this country. It was a radical idea, rejecting the much used and abused image of a bedraggled homeless person in a sleeping bag. It sought to enable homeless people to help themselves.' Mo Mowlam.

Written by Tessa Swithinbank with a foreword by Anita Roddick.

The Big Issue

The Big Issue’s own-brand products support the creation of a range of work-based opportunities for disadvantaged people.

The Big Issue has spent over 27 years at the helm of self-help revolution. It all began with the launch of The Big Issue magazine in 1991, which was created to offer homeless and disadvantaged people the opportunity to earn a legitimate income by selling a magazine on the streets. Since then over 200 million copies magazine have been sold by over 100,000 people. Vendors buy the magazine upfront for £1.25 and sell it on to the public for £2.50, and in doing so each runs their own micro-enterprise. In 2005 Big Issue Invest was launched, with the aim of extending The Big Issue’s mission by financing the growth of social enterprises and charities across the UK. To date the organisation has directly invested in over 350 such organisations, and manages or advises on more than £170 million of social funds.